NPR Launches Open Application Programming Interface

NPR launched an Open API (application programming interface) that it says will make NPR news and information content available to access, include and share on the Web sites and blogs of its member stations.

An API is a digital programming tool that, using a set of technologies, enables Web sites to interact with each other and to more easily share content.

The broadcaster and distributor said the launch represents one of the first comprehensive Open APIs introduced by a major national media organization. It’s also the latest step in the network’s digital media strategy, which has included expansion of NPR’s Web site, podcasts, the NPR Music destination site and NPR Mobile on-demand services.

The API will also allow the 860 NPR member public radio stations to incorporate more network news and information content in their digital media products and services, as well as establish a framework for eventually sharing their own content. Additionally, it will extend third-party content partnership opportunities for NPR and member stations.

Members of NPR’s Open API development team will introduce the API and demonstrate its capabilities next week at an Open Source Conference in Portland, Ore.

More information about use of the NPR Open API is available at www.npr.org/api.